“Scott Hannan and Ryan Smyth? What an incredible job by Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere. He filled our biggest needs with two of the most coveted free agents on the market. It was great to hear Smyth talk about what a great hockey atmosphere we have in the Denver area and how that factored into his decision. It’s nice to know being a good hockey town can help in attracting free agents.”
Jim, Denver
Kiz: After two wicked good deals, Avalanche fans have died and gone to hockey-hair heaven. If Hannan and Smyth didn’t skate so well, I’d swear Colorado picked up Jeff and Steve Hanson from “Slap Shot.” In honor of this extreme ‘Lanche makeover, I say the first beer’s free for every spectator who shows up wearing a mullet and Coke-bottle glasses to the arena. After one down year by the Avs, you think the rest of the league really wants to mess with Colorado now? Put it this way: The Avs are gonna be puttin’ on the foil. Every game. Want some?
Dreaming of ad-free TV
“I recently watched the Rockies on television, and it was a pleasure, even if they lost to the Cubs. The reason being that I watched it on WGN from Chicago, rather than FSN Rocky Mountain. I didn’t have to put up with all those ads during play. I don’t mind commercials between innings or during a pitching change, but I really get annoyed when there is a windshield commercial during a 2-1 count on the batter, the pitch count brought to you by a hamburger joint, pitch speed brought to you by HDTV and much more. Is this all really necessary?”
Jon, Littleton
Kiz: You sold the point well, dude. But truth be told, I admire play-by-play guy Drew Goodman for handling more junk being thrown at him during a baseball game than anybody this side of Tim Wakefield’s catcher. And, if it somehow helped the Rockies raise the cash to sign Matt Holliday to a long-term contract, I wouldn’t mind if “84 Lumber” was stenciled in neon purple on his bat.
Super Joe statue times two
“I started watching Joe Sakic at the age of 16 when my friend handed me a couple tickets to go to the rink and see what he seen. My friend had an inside track, seeing as he worked at the rink cleaning the ice for the Swift Current Broncos. This started a new life for me, as I have not missed many games Sakic has played – mostly by watching on TV. I would like to see a statue of Super Joe made in front of the Pepsi Center in Denver. However, if one is made, then there should be two, with the other put in front of the Civic Center in Swift Current. Kiz, I had to e-mail you. Sorry about my grammar. English was not my best subject in school.”
Randy, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
Kiz: You get an “A” for loyalty to Sakic. If I had a nickel for every time an English teacher has corrected the grammar in my columns, we’d already have enough money to build two statues of Super Joe.
All for a good cause
“How can we contact Crush quarterback John Dutton to help with raising funds for the orphanage in Ethiopia?”
William, Boulder
Kiz: While Dutton realizes he and his wife cannot save the world by adopting a single 10-year-old boy from Africa, the quarterback’s fondest wish is that his family’s heartfelt act will make enough splash to create ripples of generosity. If you would like to get involved in the orphanage project, the best place to start is by visiting.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot blasts the Rockies for their stubborn lack of interest in adding a big name to a ballclub that could use help if Colorado truly wants to stay in the playoff race.
“Ever notice when it comes to free agency and trades, we have three major owners in this town: Stan, Pat and Stand Pat? Actually, that’s not fair to Cheapskate Charlie Monfort. Once the salary of a Rockies player gets too high, he will deal for minor-leaguers with the best of them.”
Dave, Highlands Ranch
